After a fire in Burdick Hall destroyed the 1907 Bread Company, affectionately known by students and staff as “The Burdick Deli,” “Paul’s Place,” or just “The Deli,” it has reopened in Donaghey Hall, replacing Einstein Bros. Bagels.
“I felt like we didn’t need another Einstein’s here,” Senior Jordan Cormier said, “so I’m glad there’s the deli here now.”
The transition to Donaghey has made the 1907 Bread Co. more visible, and more students are visiting the deli, said the deli’s supervisor, Paul Deden.
“We’re seeing more [students]. The year that we were shut down, a lot of people were asking about it, and I had the opportunity to speak on that and inform the freshmen last year that, ‘Hey, this is coming next year,’ so I was getting the word out before we were even open,” Deden said.
Graduate student Annika Warrick shared her thoughts on the move from Burdick to Donaghey.
“I used to have undergraduate classes in Burdick, and I loved it down there because it was really easy and convenient. It was down on the bottom floor, almost nobody would go there and the lines were always really short. But the deli has really good sandwiches, and I like coming over here to Donaghey since the classes that I teach and take are in Win Thompson. I’m glad we have some choice, some variation,” Warrick said.
Senior Erin George said, “I think the location is very fitting. I like having another restaurant by Twisted Taco. And it’s bigger. There’s a lot more room, more places to sit. That’s better because people love this place.”
Deden also prefers the new location over the Burdick basement.
“I love the location. I love to be able to look out and see the outside world, see trees, grass and daily life going on. The old deli was down in the basement and you didn’t get to see that, so I love it here,” he said.
The 1907 Bread Company is named after the year UCA was founded, and many of the products are locally sourced.
Deden said, “The bread comes from a source in Little Rock called Old Mill Bread Company. A lot of our product is local, and that’s what we pride ourselves on. PattiCakes up the road, we sell their pastries, all our meats come from Petit Jean and our milk is from Highland Dairy in Searcy, I think, so it’s all Arkansas products.”
“Other than the great food, you’re gonna get the best customer service on campus here. Bar none. We will treat you like you are special,” said Deden.
Junior Elizabeth Eggebrecht said, “I love Paul. He really makes the environment. It’s a good location and the prices are really good.”
Sonya Butler, an employee of the 1907 Bread Co., has been working at the new location since it opened. “It’s laid back. Nice people are always coming in and out you know from the school and the community and everyone gets along,” Butler said.
“I want [customers] to have a great meal, you know, have a good day at school, tell them to put something on their stomach before they start their class. I would tell them good luck on whatever challenge they are up against,” Butler said.
Deden said the deli is in Donaghey Hall for good.
“We’re staying here. I think the university has made that call. I think the IT department that is in Burdick does not want another food establishment in there,” Deden said.
The 1907 Bread Co. is open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. The deli’s grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place Wednesday, Sept. 6, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.